"Harmless as Doves" - Too

 "Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?" (Ecclesiastes 7:17 KJV)

  "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls." (James 1:19-21 NLT)

  Something special about this, is that it addresses life, meaning the 'dash' between the time of your birth and the time of your death. When I purchased the markers for our gravesites, and after they were placed, I meet with the superintendent of the cemetery to see that everything was as I requested. I noted right off that there was no dash after the date of birth on me and my wife's marker. I asked him why, and he simply said, "Because you are living in the dash." 

 There are so many different things to consider in that illustration; most importantly, is the fact that it is a dash! We only have a short time here on this earth, so we must make every day count, doing all that we can to make a difference. 

 As to the passage from James, it is no secret that I have some issues with anger, because I have shared this issue several times, in many different ways. The other day we had a discussion in my office about anger, as to whether it is justified or not. Human anger is different that godly anger, because human anger is towards the person, while godly anger is towards the sin. If you are angry towards someone, then you are producing hate in your heart towards them, which, as per the words of Jesus, "You have killed them in your heart." 

 Maybe that might sound extreme and over the top, but that truth in the matter is your heart can store up anger, which can make things build up in you, that can take you were you do not want to go. This is exactly what God told Cain, when he had anger against his brother: ""Why are you so angry?" the LORD asked Cain. "Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master."" (Genesis 4:6-7 NLT)

 We have a Helper to assist us in these emotional flaws in our lives! The Holy Spirit is willing and very gracious to help, if we will just allow Him to do so. The problem we might have, (might, being a word that really doesn't exist,) is our inability to have Him assist us with overcoming the filth and evil we still hold onto, from time to time. 

 As it were, among the birds of the air, none are more innocent than doves! When you are truly innocent of sin, then you can be free from judgment, as you count on and depend upon the Holy Spirit to help you govern your dash...  

"Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." (James 4:17 NLT)